What is a good BMI for a 5.7 male? The ultimate guide

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a healthy BMI is universally defined as being between 18.5 and 24.9 for adults, regardless of gender. For a 5.7 male, a good BMI falls squarely within this range, but it's important to understand what this means for your individual health and circumstances.

Quick Summary

A healthy BMI for a 5'7" male is 18.5 to 24.9, which corresponds to a weight of approximately 121 to 159 pounds. This range is a general health screening tool and should be considered alongside other factors like muscle mass and body fat percentage for a complete picture of health.

Key Points

Healthy BMI Range: A healthy BMI for an adult male, including a 5.7 male, is 18.5 to 24.9, as defined by the CDC and WHO.
Weight Equivalent: For a 5.7 male, this healthy BMI range corresponds to a weight of approximately 121 to 159 pounds.
BMI Limitations: Body Mass Index does not account for muscle mass, which can lead to muscular individuals being incorrectly classified as overweight.
Alternative Metrics: For a more accurate health assessment, consider additional metrics like waist circumference and body fat percentage.
Waist Circumference Goal: A male should aim for a waist circumference of less than 40 inches to minimize health risks.
Lifestyle over Numbers: Focus on a balanced diet and consistent exercise rather than fixating on the BMI number alone.

Understanding BMI for a 5.7 Male

Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a simple, standardized calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate your total body fat. While it's a helpful tool for screening, particularly for the general population, it does not account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution. For a 5.7 male, a healthy BMI provides a solid starting point for assessing weight-related health risks, but it is not the full story. A muscular individual may have a BMI in the 'overweight' category, but a low body fat percentage, indicating a healthy body composition.

Calculating Your BMI

Calculating your BMI is a straightforward process. The standard formula uses weight in kilograms and height in meters. Here's how a 5.7 male can calculate their BMI:

Convert height to meters: A height of 5'7" is equivalent to 67 inches. To convert inches to meters, multiply by 0.0254. So, 67 inches * 0.0254 = 1.7018 meters.
Convert weight to kilograms: To convert your weight from pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.20462. For example, a 160-pound man is 160 / 2.20462 = 72.57 kg.
Apply the formula: The formula is BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)$^2$. Using the example: BMI = 72.57 / (1.7018)$^2$ = 72.57 / 2.896 = 25.06.

Alternatively, many online calculators can do this for you. Knowing the manual calculation helps in understanding the factors involved in the final figure.

The Healthy Weight Range for a 5.7 Male

For a male who is 5 feet 7 inches tall, the healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9 translates to a specific weight range. You can use this as a target or a check-in point for your personal health goals. According to the American Heart Association and CDC guidelines, a BMI within this range suggests a weight that is generally associated with minimal health risk.

Healthy Weight for 5.7 Male

BMI 18.5: Approximately 121 lbs
BMI 24.9: Approximately 159 lbs

It's important to remember that this is a guideline. Factors like age, muscle mass, and frame size can all influence what a truly healthy weight looks like for you. For instance, a bodybuilder with significant muscle mass might exceed this weight range but still be in excellent health.

Limitations of BMI and Alternative Metrics

While BMI is a widely used and accessible screening tool, it has limitations. It doesn't differentiate between fat and muscle, leading to potential misclassifications. For a more comprehensive assessment of your health, consider these alternative metrics:

Waist Circumference: Excess abdominal fat is linked to a higher risk of health problems like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. A waist circumference of less than 40 inches is recommended for men.
Body Fat Percentage: This measurement provides a more accurate picture of your body's composition. It can be measured using calipers, bioelectrical impedance scales, or more advanced methods like a DEXA scan.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio: Calculating the ratio of your waist measurement to your hip measurement can be another useful indicator of health risk related to fat distribution.

BMI vs. Alternative Health Indicators: A Comparison


Feature	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Waist Circumference	Body Fat Percentage
Calculation	Simple, uses only height and weight	Measure waist size	Advanced, requires special equipment or measurements
Accuracy	Good for general population screening	Good for assessing abdominal fat risk	High, provides insight into body composition
Considerations	Doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat	Focuses only on abdominal fat	Takes into account lean mass vs. fat mass
Cost	Free and easy	Free and easy with a tape measure	Can range from inexpensive (scales) to costly (DEXA scan)

Actionable Steps for a Healthy Lifestyle

For a 5.7 male aiming for a good BMI, focusing on lifestyle habits is more effective than fixating on a single number. Maintaining a healthy weight is a process that involves a combination of balanced nutrition and regular physical activity.

Eat a Balanced Diet: Incorporate a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Focus on lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive saturated fats.
Stay Active: The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, plus two days of strength training.
Monitor Your Progress: Track more than just your weight. Pay attention to how your clothes fit, how you feel day-to-day, and changes in your energy levels. Consider tracking waist measurements as a more accurate indicator of body fat changes.

Conclusion

For a 5.7 male, a good BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, correlating to a weight range of approximately 121 to 159 lbs. However, this is simply a screening tool and should not be the sole determinant of your health. Considering other metrics like waist circumference and body fat percentage provides a more complete and accurate picture. The ultimate goal is to foster a sustainable, healthy lifestyle that incorporates balanced nutrition and regular physical activity, leading to better overall well-being, not just a specific number on the scale.

Medical News Today: What is the recommended weight for my height?

Frequently Asked Questions

For adults, the standard BMI classifications do not change with age. The same healthy range of 18.5 to 24.9 applies to all adults, but the importance of muscle mass and fat distribution might change as you age.

The formula for calculating BMI and the resulting BMI categories are the same for both adult men and women. However, women typically carry a higher body fat percentage for the same BMI, which is an important biological difference.

Yes, especially if you have a significant amount of muscle mass. Because BMI doesn't differentiate between muscle and fat, athletes or weightlifters can have a high BMI while being very healthy. This is why considering other metrics is important.

For men, a waist circumference of less than 40 inches is generally recommended to reduce health risks. A higher measurement can indicate a higher level of visceral fat, which is linked to various health problems.

There are several methods, including using body calipers, smart scales with bioelectrical impedance, or more accurate clinical methods like a DEXA scan. The best method depends on your budget and desired level of accuracy.

If your BMI falls outside the healthy range, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. They can provide a more thorough assessment of your health and help you create a plan involving diet and exercise to reach a healthier weight.

BMI calculators are reliable for providing a quick estimate for screening purposes. They are based on a universally accepted formula and standard categories. However, they are limited by the fact that they only use height and weight, not body composition.